djp14150 Posted April 5 Posted April 5 On 4/4/2025 at 7:44 AM, Bills!Win! said: Our vacation plans for mid may were postponed so my wife figured we would spend the week in Buffalo and do “touristy Buffalo things.” For the natives, give me everything and anything that you can do in the middle of May. I was thinking, stadium tours, Darien lake, hit up all the wing places (I’ve been to duffs but not barbill), Buffalo bisons game, maybe places to walk near the Buffalo riverfront? any and all feedback is appreciated things to see….. 1. buffalo is known for a bite tire from its hey day in the late 1800s. There are tours you can do. 2. Sabres arena and bisons stadium are near each other and near the buffalo waterfront. There are a bunch of restaurants in this area 3, buffalo has a light rail libne that is above ground in downtown ending in theater district. Not much underground. 4, Allentown is a neighborhood to explore 5 bufalo held the worlds fair in the esrly 1900s. President William McKinley was assasinsted at this event. Theodore roosevelt and was sworn in in buffalo taking over the presidency ( he was a former gov of New York State). Therr is an historic sight 6 Albright Knox art gallery has some very good pieces by historic name artists. It’s next to Delaware park ( a large city par). Near this area is where the big homes in the city are. in the immediate metro area… 1. Niagara Falls — you just need a passport card or enhanced drivers license to cross the border by car or by foot. The Canadian side is where the photos are taken from or the images you will see played during a bills home game. 2. whirlpool stste park is a mile down north from the falls. 3. when the river hits Lake Ontario you have Fort Niagara. This fort was used from mid 1700s- early 1800s 4. across the border in Canada thry have a fort to, and the town Niagara on the lake. In the summer it does off Broadway plays and other arts. 5 in Niagara Falls is art park. 6 the Eric canal does not end in buffalo. In end in the tonawandas. Buffalo is in Erie county, Niagara Falls is in Niagara county and the creek the canal uses is the mouth of the canal. City of tonawanda ( where I grew up) and city of north tonawanda exist. They would be one city if it wasn’t for the county line. In mid July thry do canal fest from Sunday to following Sunday. The last weekrnd is a big arts and crafts festival and fireworks. The city of tonawsnda has a river front city park with old man rivers and Mississippi muds are restaurants and I e cream patrols. North tonawanda waterfront has gone through big development with new restaurants 7 the canal goes through Lockport where they have canal level docs to raise and lower boats. on the south side of buffalo… 1. footballstadium 2 Lake Erie waterfront areas farther out from town 1. Jamestown and lake Chautauqua , Lucile ball was born here so there is a comedy museum and an arts facility. Salmon Rushdie was giving a talk here a few years ago and someone tried to kill him 2. Allegheny state park and ellicottville ( small ski town) 3. SE is letchworth stste park ( Grand Canyon of the east) 4. Corning glass museum. Thr name Corningware comes from here. 5. Elmore and mark twain ( he spent a few years of his life here) 6 finger lakes area ( many toens on opposite ends) 7. Watkins glen — this town is home of a nascar road race usually in august. 8. ithica ( Cornell univ town) 9 Seneca falls - home of women suffrage ( voting rights) and home of Susan b Anthony and Harriet Tubman 10 genessee county living history village and museum which is like williamsburg going back to late 1700s/ early 1800s 11 Rochester has some historic sites and was the home of Kodak and xerox. 12 Darien lake thrme park and summer concert venue 13 in the finger lakes SE of Rochester in canandaguia has a summer concert facility. 14 onnthe east side of metro Rochester is where the hills will have training camp starting in late July at St. John fisher college. This college is next to a golf course that is a regular host of the pga championship Seneca nation is part of the Iroquois they have a few reservation land in the Buffalo area including a casino near hiragana falls on area food……. I grew up in the north suburbs. Every local area has their own locally run pizza and wing shops. I return back to my home area around twice a yr. I’ll get pizza and wings from a few local area of the tonawandas. They aren’t in orchard park roast beef on weck. Andersons isca local chain restaurant that has this on the menu. Other restaitrants have it teds hot dogs— another thing I try to have when back in town. many neighborhoods have farmers markets. These usually happen on weekends, but some are other days. The area has many farms. when heading to Jamestown or Allegheny sp if you go local roads you may run across a horse buggy. There is a an Amish and Mennonite population on the bisons stadium. It’s the prototype to orioles stadium of Camden yards in summer months there is usually a festival going on. 4 Quote
Augie Posted April 5 Posted April 5 17 hours ago, Orlando Buffalo said: If you like architecture there is a lot to look at and several frank Lloyd Wright houses that are not the Martin House if you just want to drive by. The sub and battleship on the river are cool. NF is a good pick if you have not seen it, my kids enjoyed it along with us. We have a neighbor who is a rather famous architect and author. He works all over North America on amazing projects including some of the nicest properties in Atlanta. He saw the Bills stuff around our house and told me his wife was going to the beach with friends, but he’s not a big beach guy. Instead, he was leaving the next day for Buffalo to do his own little architectural tour. The next day I get a pic of him with wings and beer. I say don’t forget the pizza! Seconds later I get a pic of him with pizza. He loved the trip, and he fully appreciated the stuff many of us take for granted. I hope to have more time this year to see some of the gems around town. I’m still curious, does anyone have experience with Niagara-on-the-Lake? I’d like to extend our trip up for a game this year and that seems like a place we might like to see. 1 Quote
ExiledInIllinois Posted April 5 Posted April 5 2 minutes ago, Augie said: I’m still curious, does anyone have experience with Niagara-on-the-Lake? I’d like to extend our trip up for a game this year and that seems like a place we might like to see. Yes. It's okay... If you like shopping, etc... There is the "Shaw Festival." https://www.shawfest.com/ 1 Quote
QCity Posted April 5 Posted April 5 (edited) 39 minutes ago, Augie said: I’m still curious, does anyone have experience with Niagara-on-the-Lake? I’d like to extend our trip up for a game this year and that seems like a place we might like to see. Niagara-on-the-lake is the go-to place for most locals (Toronto, Buffalo, Roch, etc) in the know that vacation annually at the Falls. The area directly around the Falls is a tourist trap which of course is designed to drain every last dollar from your wallet. Niagara-on-the-lake is also touristy, but far less discordant and greedy (it's a quiet Victorian town). If you go during the warm months you can't beat its walkability factor - it's packed with shops, eateries, wineries, theatres, parks, hiking trails, historic sites, etc. We typically stay at the Prince of Wales hotel which is a popular choice, but have had great experiences with other smaller bed & breakfasts too. The biggest drawback is that it is 15 miles from the Falls. On the positive side, the drive is serene on a 35MPH parkway that rims the Niagara Gorge with nice scenery. If you're just going to a Bills game you can take the Queenston bridge which will put you right on the 190 thus avoiding the Peace Bridge crossing. Edited April 5 by QCity 1 1 Quote
Augie Posted April 5 Posted April 5 13 minutes ago, QCity said: Niagara-on-the-lake is the go-to place for most locals (Toronto, Buffalo, Roch, etc) in the know that vacation annually at the Falls. The area directly around the Falls is a tourist trap which of course is designed to drain every last dollar from your wallet. Niagara-on-the-lake is also touristy, but far less discordant and greedy (it's a quiet Victorian town). If you go during the warm months you can't beat its walkability factor - it's packed with shops, eateries, wineries, theatres, parks, hiking trails, historic sites, etc. We typically stay at the Prince of Wales hotel which is a popular choice, but have had great experiences with other smaller bed & breakfasts too. The biggest drawback is that it is 15 miles from the Falls. On the positive side, the drive is serene on a 35MPH parkway that rims the Niagara Gorge with nice scenery. If you're just going to a Bills game you can take the Queenston bridge which will put you right on the 190 thus avoiding the Peace Bridge crossing. Thank you. That is the kind of info I was looking for, and pretty much what I thought/hoped I would hear. I appreciate the confirmation. I’m not sure if I had ever even heard of it before I left WNY for college when I was 17. In 2021 I went with my wife, son and DIL to the home opener. We flew from a wedding in Chicago to Buffalo and did as much as we could during a very short time. We did the Falls, of course, on a ridiculously windy day (even for Buffalo), which was hysterical. You had to learn to trap your official genuine souvenir Maid of the Mist poncho between your knees so it wouldn’t fly over your head! 😂 They’ve done the Falls and the pics still make us laugh every time, so something new would be great. Everything was always so rushed, but my wife got a package and retired unexpectedly this week. I want to be able to enjoy ourselves on trips and have the time and freedom to do the little side trips. The Prince of Wales was the one hotel I looked into, so it’s nice to hear that from you as well. Thanks again. Quote
The Jokeman Posted April 5 Posted April 5 The Buffalo History museum is fun https://buffalohistory.org/ If want something different you can do a tour of Forest Lawn cemetery https://forest-lawn.com/tours-events/ Buffalo River tours can be fun way to end the night https://www.buffaloriverhistorytours.com/boat-tours/ I've never taken these but see them every so often when am downtown https://buffalodoubledeckerbus.com/ Quote
Just Jack Posted April 6 Posted April 6 Lockport Cave, once they re-open for the season, typically beginning of May. Lockport Cave Quote
SoTier Posted April 7 Posted April 7 On 4/4/2025 at 9:24 AM, Augie said: If you have a passport, is Niagara-on-the-Lake worth the visit? I had a friend in FL who went to visit, and I had to admit I had never been there. He had very positive comments. . In mid-May, Niagara-on-the-Lake will just be starting up for the season. It will probably not be as decked out with flowers as it is later in the season. The same with Niagara Falls, Ontario. For example, the Maid of the Mist boat tours (by whatever name they operate under) may operate on a limited schedule, and be very weather dependent. If you take a tour (I highly recommend it!), dress warm since the water will be cold! You won't have to wait for tables in restaurants in either NF or NOTL in mid May, especially during the week. Ft George Historical Site is the equivalent to Ft Niagara. It may be open limited days/hours in May. There are a number of wineries right around NOTL, too. 1 Quote
Wacka Posted April 7 Posted April 7 (edited) Maid of the Mist (US)/Hornblower (CA) start running end of April until end of October. Maid of the Mist is about $5 cheaper .May be closer in price with the exchange. Edited April 7 by Wacka 1 Quote
MarriedIntoThis Posted April 7 Posted April 7 As the wife he’s talking about, I’ll narrow down my interests: food places boutique-like stores that sell bills memorabilia Basically anything bills related. I’m not interested in anything historic unless it has something to do with the team 😂 I know it’s May and none of them are around, but I’m also interested if anyone knows of any of the players favorite places. I want to walk where they’ve trod. thanks for all the suggestions, I just am not very interested in museums. A few landmarks, though, would be welcomed 1 Quote
Augie Posted April 7 Posted April 7 1 hour ago, MarriedIntoThis said: As the wife he’s talking about, I’ll narrow down my interests: food places boutique-like stores that sell bills memorabilia Basically anything bills related. I’m not interested in anything historic unless it has something to do with the team 😂 I know it’s May and none of them are around, but I’m also interested if anyone knows of any of the players favorite places. I want to walk where they’ve trod. thanks for all the suggestions, I just am not very interested in museums. A few landmarks, though, would be welcomed I get that! We were in Europe and I had to draw the line…..no more museums or cathedrals for me. The wife went about crossing important sites off her list while I would wander off the tourist beaten paths and see where the locals lived, ate and played. Quote
BuffaloBud Posted April 7 Posted April 7 The power authority on either side of the river https://www.nypa.gov/communities/visitors-centers/niagara-power-vista https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/niagara-parks-power-station/the-tunnel-niagara-falls Quote
MarriedIntoThis Posted April 7 Posted April 7 21 minutes ago, Augie said: I get that! We were in Europe and I had to draw the line…..no more museums or cathedrals for me. The wife went about crossing important sites off her list while I would wander off the tourist beaten paths and see where the locals lived, ate and played. Exactly, it’s one thing to go to museums etc. to fill the time when we have the kids with us, but by ourselves I don’t want to do that stuff. I plan on doing a lot of eating, I’ve never been in buffalo for more than a day, so I want to try more things. Still haven’t had beef on weck, so I’d like to know where I can get the best around! 1 1 Quote
Augie Posted April 7 Posted April 7 43 minutes ago, MarriedIntoThis said: Exactly, it’s one thing to go to museums etc. to fill the time when we have the kids with us, but by ourselves I don’t want to do that stuff. I plan on doing a lot of eating, I’ve never been in buffalo for more than a day, so I want to try more things. Still haven’t had beef on weck, so I’d like to know where I can get the best around! That sounds like me, I have to add meals between my meals to eat all the local stuff I want in just a few days. Different people will tell you different things, but Scwabl’s is very close to the airport and I’ll often get my beef on weck fix there before even checking into my hotel. It’s a step back in time and the guy is right there carving. If you do find yourselves at Schwabl’s, somebody has to try the German potato salad. It’s amazing and it tastes like what my mother used to make. I could go on and on, but Ted’s is a great hotdog joint, and something you don’t find just anywhere. BTW - After we saw Sagrada Familia in Barcelona I was done. Even the Sistine Chapel was just “nice” after Sagrada Familia and the light pouring in thru that glass. That pretty much checked off that whole topic. It’s funny, I’m probably as into this thread as you are. My wife took a package at work and retired last week unexpectedly. It’s awesome! (So far😊) We now have time to go and see and do all the things I want when we come up for a game. She’s only had in-and-out trips in the past, like yourself it sounds. 1 Quote
Metal Man Posted April 7 Posted April 7 1 hour ago, MarriedIntoThis said: As the wife he’s talking about, I’ll narrow down my interests: food places boutique-like stores that sell bills memorabilia Basically anything bills related. I’m not interested in anything historic unless it has something to do with the team 😂 I know it’s May and none of them are around, but I’m also interested if anyone knows of any of the players favorite places. I want to walk where they’ve trod. thanks for all the suggestions, I just am not very interested in museums. A few landmarks, though, would be welcomed There is a place like this right downtown in the canal side area, near the arena, attached to a kid's museum called Explore & More. They have Bills stuff along with other Buffalo sports teams and things just for Buffalo in general. It has a small boutique like feel and my wife, who also enjoys those types of stores, loves this place and always insists on a browse there when we are in the area. 1 Quote
Buffalo716 Posted April 7 Posted April 7 (edited) 3 hours ago, MarriedIntoThis said: As the wife he’s talking about, I’ll narrow down my interests: food places boutique-like stores that sell bills memorabilia Basically anything bills related. I’m not interested in anything historic unless it has something to do with the team 😂 I know it’s May and none of them are around, but I’m also interested if anyone knows of any of the players favorite places. I want to walk where they’ve trod. thanks for all the suggestions, I just am not very interested in museums. A few landmarks, though, would be welcomed Pizza sooo many options : Picassos -multiple locations :Imperial pizza- South Buffalo :zahz pizzeria - cheektowaga :carbones -Lovejoy :muscarellas- Williamsville :Rocco's wood fired pizza- williamsville :jays artisan's - kenmore Ferros NY pizza - West Seneca (Josh Allen's favorite) Wings : Bar Bill - East Aurora(Josh Allen's favorite) :Duffs- all over ( touristy but still good ) : 33 speakeasy - cheektowaga : Macy's place - cheektowaga Pizza AND wings :LaNovas - Buffalo :Johnny's pizzeria - Cheektowaga : Rivas - depew :Lovejoy pizzeria - Lovejoy Seafood : Hoaks - Lakeshore :lucias on the lake - Lakeshore : Remington tavern and seafood exchange - north tonowanda : Happy swallow - Buffalo Best Italian : La bella Sicilia - cheektowaga : bella ciao - Buffalo : Siena - Snyder :giancarlos Sicilian steakhouse - williamsville Edited April 7 by Buffalo716 1 Quote
US Egg Posted April 7 Posted April 7 3 hours ago, MarriedIntoThis said: As the wife he’s talking about, I’ll narrow down my interests: food places boutique-like stores that sell bills memorabilia Basically anything bills related. I’m not interested in anything historic unless it has something to do with the team 😂 I know it’s May and none of them are around, but I’m also interested if anyone knows of any of the players favorite places. I want to walk where they’ve trod. thanks for all the suggestions, I just am not very interested in museums. A few landmarks, though, would be welcomed Buffalo’s small. It’s not like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, or college towns with a big time program, where their sports teams are omnipresent. Traveling around you see more a sprinkling here and there comparatively. Quote
Buffalo716 Posted April 7 Posted April 7 (edited) 14 minutes ago, US Egg said: Buffalo’s small. It’s not like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, or college towns with a big time program, where their sports teams are omnipresent. Traveling around you see more a sprinkling here and there comparatively. I see way more Buffalo Bills gear in Buffalo then there were people wearing Cleveland browns gear in Cleveland Sure Buffalo is a smaller City but it's definitely like Alabama for its craziness with football .. it is like an SEC town with sports People say goodbye in Buffalo by saying go bills.. like when you're walking down the street you don't say have a good day you say go bills that's pretty omnipresent But I do get your point we are a small city Edited April 7 by Buffalo716 1 Quote
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